elderly care services | Secure Healthcare Solutions

Paying for care home fees in the UK can feel confusing and stressful. Many families are caught off guard by how much care actually costs and what funding help is available.

You might be wondering: Do I have to sell my home? Will the NHS help? Who pays if my savings run out?

The good news is, there’s a clear system in place, and this blog will walk you through it in plain English.

We’ll explain who pays for care home fees, how the means test for care home fees works, and how to apply for care home funding step by step.

How Much Do Care Homes Cost in the UK in 2025?

Let’s look at fees first before we talk about who pays them or how to apply for help.

The cost of care homes in the UK depends on two main things:

The type of care needed: residential (daily support) or nursing (medical care by a registered nurse).
The location: prices vary a lot between regions.

Here’s a breakdown of average weekly costs across the UK in 2025:

Region	Residential Care (Weekly)	Nursing Care (Weekly)
London	£800 – £1,300	£1,100 – £1,600
South East	£750 – £1,100	£950 – £1,400
Midlands	£600 – £900	£800 – £1,200
North of England	£550 – £850	£750 – £1,100
Scotland	£600 – £900	£800 – £1,200
Wales	£550 – £850	£750 – £1,050
Northern Ireland	£500 – £800	£700 – £1,000

Note: These are average ranges. Actual costs may vary depending on the care provider, care needs, and whether you are self-funding or supported by your local authority.

Additional Notes:

Self-funders often pay higher rates than those supported by the council.
If you need specialist dementia care or complex nursing support, the fees can go even higher.
In most cases, moving someone to a cheaper region won’t reduce costs unless the local authority agrees and there’s a valid reason (such as being closer to family).

Who Pays for Care Home Fees (and How the Means Test Works)

Paying for care home fees in the UK depends on two main checks: your care needs and your finances. Once the local council agrees you need a care home, they’ll carry out a means test to see how much you can pay—and whether they can help.

Capital (Savings + Property)	Who Pays?
Over £23,250	You pay full fees (self-funding)
£14,250 – £23,250	You pay some; council pays the rest
Below £14,250	Council pays; you contribute income

In Wales, the capital limit is £50,000.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have different thresholds.

Income and Allowance

If you qualify for help, most of your weekly income (pensions, benefits) goes towards care. You keep a Personal Expenses Allowance of £30.65/week for personal use.

Is Your Home Included?

Your home counts only if:

You live alone and move into care permanently
No spouse, disabled relative, or elderly dependent lives there
In the first 12 weeks of care, your home is not considered in the test. If needed, you can delay selling it using a Deferred Payment Agreement.

NHS Funding Options

NHS Continuing Healthcare funding (CHC) covers full costs if your needs are health-based
NHS-Funded Nursing Care (FNC) gives a fixed weekly amount if you need a nurse but not a full CHC

Top-Up Fees

If your chosen care home charges more than the council’s rate, a family member may pay the extra through a top-up agreement.

Other Ways to Pay for Care Home Fees

If you’re not eligible for full council or NHS funding, or if you’re self-funding and looking for options to manage costs, there are a few other ways to cover care home fees.

1. Using Property Assets

Many people choose to sell their home to pay for long-term care. However, if selling immediately isn’t ideal, you can ask your local council for a Deferred Payment Agreement. This allows you to delay payment until the property is sold later or after your death. The council places a legal charge on the home, and interest may apply.

2. Immediate Needs Annuity

An immediate needs annuity is a type of insurance product that provides a guaranteed income for life to cover care fees. You pay a one-time lump sum, and the insurer pays regular amounts directly to the care provider. It can give peace of mind and protect remaining assets, but it’s a permanent decision, so financial advice is recommended.

3. Support from Family Members

In some cases, children or other relatives may contribute to care fees, especially through top-up payments if you’re receiving local authority funding but want to stay in a more expensive home.

How to Apply for Care Home Funding in the UK

If you or a loved one needs help paying for care, the first step is to contact your local council’s adult social care team. You can apply whether you’re looking for care now or planning ahead.

Step 1: Request a Care Needs Assessment

This is a free service where a social worker visits to assess your physical and mental health needs. It determines whether a care home is necessary or if home care services could be a better fit (especially in areas like Wolverhampton, where community care is well established).

The council must carry out the assessment, even if you have high savings and expect to self-fund.

Step 2: Get a Financial Assessment (Means Test)

If the care needs assessment confirms that a care home is required, the council will arrange a means test for care home fees. This looks at your income, savings, and property. Based on the outcome, the council will calculate:

Whether you qualify for funding
How much you’re expected to contribute
Whether any temporary support applies (e.g. 12-week property disregard)

Step 3: Explore NHS Funding

If your needs are health-related, ask for an NHS Continuing Healthcare funding assessment. You can apply directly through your GP or local NHS team. If approved, the NHS pays the full cost of care.

It’s helpful to involve family early in the process and keep records of all communication. If you’re unsure, charities like Age UK or Citizens Advice can guide you through the application.

Conclusion

Planning for care home fees can feel overwhelming, but knowing your options makes a big difference. Whether you’re self-funding or applying for support, understanding how savings, property, and income affect your eligibility is key.

Don’t wait until a crisis forces quick decisions. Speak to your local council, get a care needs assessment, and explore NHS and financial support options early.

If you’re not ready for full-time care, you may also want to consider home care services in Wolverhampton, which offer flexible support while staying in your own home.

Changes in an elderly parent’s health or behaviour are easy to miss when they appear slowly. What seems like a small shift in routine can, over time, place their safety or independence at risk.

Not every change points to serious illness. Difficulties may show up in day-to-day tasks, keeping up with medication, or basic home upkeep. When spotted early, support can be arranged before problems grow.

This guide sets out ten clear signs that an ageing parent may need extra help and offers simple steps you can take in response.

10 signs your elderly parent needs help

1. Declining Personal Hygiene

A sudden drop in personal grooming can mean more than simply “not bothering.” Sometimes, it is linked to joint pain that makes bathing difficult. In other cases, memory issues or low mood can lead to skipping routine self-care.

You might notice unwashed hair, the same clothes worn for days, or an unusual body odour. These changes are worth talking about, as they often point to underlying physical or emotional challenges that need attention.

2. Weight Loss or Poor Nutrition

Losing weight without trying can be a red flag. It might mean they are forgetting meals, struggling to shop for groceries, or having trouble cooking.

Check the fridge for spoiled or empty shelves
Notice if favourite foods are untouched
Ask gently about appetite or taste changes

Poor nutrition can lead to weakness, reduced immunity, and slower recovery from illness.

3. Changes in Mobility or Balance

A steady gait today can turn unsteady in a matter of months. Difficulty getting out of a chair, slower walking speed, or holding onto furniture for support are all signals worth noticing.

These can be early signs of elderly mobility issues that affect safety and confidence.

Mobility problems increase the risk of falls, which can have serious consequences for older adults. Sometimes, the cause is arthritis, muscle weakness, or side effects from medication. Early help, such as physiotherapy or mobility aids, can make a big difference in maintaining independence.

4. Memory Lapses or Confusion

Ageing parent memory loss can sometimes be mistaken for simple forgetfulness, but certain signs need closer attention:

Losing track of conversations or repeating the same questions
Forgetting daily routines or familiar names
Appearing unsure about where they are, even at home

These changes may be linked to dementia, medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, or infections. A medical check-up can help identify the cause and determine whether treatment, lifestyle changes, or extra support is needed to maintain their safety and independence.

5. Mood Swings or Withdrawal

If your parent was once social but now avoids calls, visits, or hobbies, it might not be a simple preference for quiet. Emotional shifts can also appear as irritability, sudden sadness, or losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Isolation and mood changes may be linked to depression, anxiety, or cognitive decline. Regular check-ins, encouragement to join social groups, or professional support can help them reconnect and improve their emotional well-being.

6. Neglected Home Environment

When a once-tidy home starts to feel cluttered or unkempt, it may be more than a matter of preference. Dust, overflowing laundry, or stacks of unopened mail can signal that your parent is finding daily upkeep too challenging.

This could be due to physical limitations, memory problems, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Addressing these issues early can help prevent accidents, pest problems, and increased stress.

7. Medication Mismanagement

Keeping track of pills can be difficult, especially with multiple prescriptions. Signs to look for include:

Unused medication piling up
Empty blister packs for the wrong dates
Confusion about what each pill is for

Missed doses or double-dosing can lead to serious health risks. A pill organiser, reminder system, or supervised support can make medication routines safer and easier.

8. Unexplained Bruises or Injuries

Bruises without a clear explanation can indicate falls, balance problems, or even vision issues. Sometimes, your parents may hide these incidents to avoid worrying you.

Check for marks on arms, legs, or hips
Ask casually about any recent bumps or trips
Watch for changes in how they move around the home

Identifying the cause is key to preventing further harm and maintaining confidence in their mobility.

9. Difficulty with Daily Activities

Tasks like cooking, cleaning, dressing, or managing finances may start taking much longer than before. You might notice:

Meals are becoming simpler or skipped altogether
Clothes not matching or being worn repeatedly
Bills going unpaid

These struggles often lead to frustration and loss of independence. Support can range from occasional help to more regular assistance, depending on their needs.

10. Family Caregiver Burnout (If You’re Already Helping)

When you are already providing care, your well-being matters too. Feeling constantly tired, short-tempered, or emotionally drained is a sign you need support.

Caregiver burnout can affect the quality of care your parent receives. It can also impact your health and relationships. Recognising when you need rest, help from other family members, or professional respite care is an important step in sustaining your ability to help over the long term.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Start a gentle conversation – choose a calm moment and speak with empathy, focusing on their comfort and safety rather than criticism.
Involve other family members so the responsibility and decision-making do not fall on one person.
Arrange a health check-up to rule out treatable conditions that might be causing the changes.
Offer practical support such as meal preparation, transport, or help with bills.
Explore care options ranging from part-time help to full-time home care, depending on their needs and willingness.
Check in regularly to monitor progress and adjust support as needed.

Helping Your Parent Stay Safe, Independent, and Supported

Noticing small changes in your parent’s health, mood, or daily habits is the first step toward keeping them safe and comfortable. Acting early can prevent minor concerns from turning into serious problems.

If you live locally, arranging home care in Wolverhampton can provide the extra help they need while allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings. Professional carers can assist with personal care, household tasks, and companionship.

For families seeking trusted elderly care in Wolverhampton, exploring reputable services like Secure Healthcare Solutions ensures your loved one receives the right support. With the right help, they can maintain dignity, independence, and quality of life.

As the demand for quality in-home care grows, live-in caregivers play an essential role in supporting individuals who require round-the-clock assistance. Whether for elderly individuals, those with disabilities, or individuals recovering from illness, live-in care services offer a reliable solution that promotes comfort, independence, and well-being.

What Are Live-In Care Services?

Live-in care services provide continuous, one-on-one assistance to individuals in their own homes. Unlike hourly care, where a caregiver visits at scheduled times, live-in caregivers stay with the client, ensuring 24-hour care at home. This form of care is particularly beneficial for those who require ongoing support with daily tasks, medication management, mobility assistance, and companionship.

Secure Healthcare Solutions is a trusted provider of personalised live-in care, ensuring that individuals receive high-quality support tailored to their needs. In-home care providers focus on creating a safe and comfortable environment, making sure clients receive the attention they deserve.

The Responsibilities of a Professional Live-In Caregiver

A professional live-in caregiver provides a range of services that go beyond basic assistance. Their responsibilities may include:

1. Personal Care and Hygiene

Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming
Support with toileting and continence care
Maintaining overall personal hygiene

2. Companionship and Emotional Support

Engaging in meaningful conversations
Providing companionship to prevent loneliness
Encouraging social interactions with family and friends

3. Medication Management

Ensuring medications are taken as prescribed
Keeping track of prescriptions and refills
Notifying healthcare professionals of any concerns

4. Household Assistance

Light housekeeping and laundry
Meal preparation and grocery shopping
Ensuring a clean and organised living space

5. Mobility and Safety Support

Assisting with walking and physical activity
Preventing falls and injuries
Arranging necessary medical appointments and transportation

With Secure Healthcare Solutions, families can rely on professional live-in care that meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

The Benefits of Live-In Care for the Elderly

Choosing live-in care for elderly individuals offers several benefits that contribute to their well-being and overall quality of life.

1. Personalised Live-In Care

Every individual has unique care needs, and live-in caregivers tailor their approach to provide customised support. This ensures that seniors receive care that aligns with their preferences, routines, and medical requirements.

2. Familiar and Comfortable Environment

Remaining in a familiar home setting can have a positive impact on an individual’s emotional and mental well-being. It reduces stress and anxiety, which are common in unfamiliar environments like nursing homes.

3. One-on-One Attention

Unlike residential care facilities, where caregivers attend to multiple patients, live-in caregivers provide dedicated, one-on-one care. This ensures that the elderly receive immediate assistance whenever they need it.

4. Peace of Mind for Families

Families often worry about the well-being of their loved ones. With a live-in caregiver, they can have peace of mind knowing their family member is in safe and professional hands.

How to Choose the Right Live-In Care Provider

Finding the right caregiver requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Experience and Qualifications

Choose a caregiver with the necessary training and experience in providing live-in care. Look for credentials, certifications, and relevant expertise in specialist care services.

2. Compassion and Compatibility

A good caregiver should not only be skilled but also compassionate and patient. Compatibility between the caregiver and the care recipient is essential for building trust and ensuring comfort.

3. Flexibility and Reliability

Care needs can change over time. A reliable caregiver should be adaptable to different situations and be available to meet the client’s evolving needs.

4. Support from a Reputable Healthcare Staffing Agency

Working with a reputable healthcare staffing agency, such as Secure Healthcare Solutions, ensures that caregivers are thoroughly screened, trained, and supported. This guarantees the highest level of care for individuals receiving live-in support.

Secure Healthcare Solutions: A Trusted Name in Live-In Care Services

Secure Healthcare Solutions is dedicated to providing top-quality live-in care services tailored to each client’s specific needs. As one of the best healthcare providers, our team of professional live-in caregivers is committed to enhancing the lives of those in need.

With a strong focus on compassionate and expert care, we ensure that individuals receive the support required to maintain independence while enjoying the comforts of home. Whether you need assistance for yourself or a loved one, Secure Healthcare Solutions is here to help.

Conclusion

Live-in caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals who require constant support. From personal care to companionship, they provide a wide range of essential services that improve the quality of life for those in need.

If you are considering live-in care for a loved one, it is important to choose a trusted provider who prioritises compassion, professionalism, and reliability. Secure Healthcare Solutions offers expert live-in care services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment.

For more information, visit Secure Healthcare Solutions and explore how live-in care services can make a difference in your loved one’s life.

As we age, our bodies and minds undergo a variety of changes that can impact our overall health and well-being. For elderly individuals, these changes can be particularly challenging, requiring specialized care and attention from healthcare professionals. Nurses, in particular, play a critical role in providing Elderly Patients Care, helping to ensure that they receive the support they need to maintain their quality of life. In this article, we will explore the unique needs of elderly patients and how nurses can work to improve their quality of life.

Challenges Faced by Elderly Patients

Elderly patients face various challenges affecting their physical, mental, and social well-being. One of the biggest challenges faced by elderly patients is physical health issues. Many elderly patients suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking, dressing, and bathing. These conditions can also lead to pain, discomfort, and fatigue, impacting the quality of life of elderly patients.

In addition to physical health issues, elderly patients may feel mental health issues and anxiety is one example of it. Depression is particularly common among elderly patients, with an estimated 15% of adults over the age of 65 experiencing depression at some point in their lives. Anxiety is also common among elderly patients, with an estimated 7% of adults over the age of 65 experiencing anxiety.

Mobility problems are another common challenge faced by elderly patients. Many elderly patients have difficulty getting around, which can limit their ability to participate in activities and socialize with others. Mobility problems can also make it difficult for elderly patients to perform basic tasks such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning, which can impact their quality of life.

Social isolation is also a major challenge facing elderly patients. Many elderly patients live alone and may have limited social interaction with others. It can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, impacting mental health and well-being. Cognitive decline is another challenge that many elderly patients face. As we age, our cognitive abilities may decline, which can impact memory, decision-making, and overall mental function.

5 Ways Nurses can Improve Quality of Life for Elderly Patients

In this section, we will discuss strategies that nurses can use to improve elderly patient care.

1. Creating a Comfortable and Safe Environment

One of the most important strategies for improving elderly patient care is to create a comfortable and safe environment. This can include physical modifications to the living space, such as grab bars in the bathroom or ramps to make the home wheelchair accessible. Additionally, ensuring that the home is clean, well-lit, and free of clutter can help reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.

It is also important to consider the patient’s emotional and social needs. For example, providing comfortable seating areas and creating spaces for socialization and activities can help promote a sense of community and belonging.

2. Developing Personalized Care Plans

Every patient is unique, and their care plans should reflect that. Developing personalized care plans is an essential strategy for improving elderly patient care. Care plans should consider the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs, as well as their medical history and current health status.

Personalized care plans can include a variety of interventions, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Nurses can also work with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care and ensure that the patient’s needs are being met.

3. Encouraging Social Engagement and Activities

Social isolation is a significant problem among elderly patients and can negatively affect their physical and mental health. Encouraging social engagement and activities is an effective strategy for improving elderly patient care.

Nurses can facilitate social engagement by organizing group activities like games or crafts. They can also connect patients with community resources, such as senior centers or volunteer organizations. Additionally, nurses can encourage patients to participate in activities they enjoy, such as gardening or playing music.

4. Monitoring Medication and Treatment Adherence

Medication and treatment adherence are critical components of elderly patient care. Nurses can help patients to manage their medications by providing education and reminders and monitoring side effects and interactions. Additionally, nurses can work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are receiving appropriate treatments for their medical conditions.

5. Providing End-of-Life Care and Support

End-of-life care and support is an essential components of elderly patient care. Nurses can provide emotional support to the patient and their family members and help ensure that the patient’s wishes are respected.

The Role of Nursing and Healthcare Staffing Agencies

Nursing and healthcare staffing agencies are playing an increasingly important role in providing quality care for the elderly. Care staffing agency professionals help to meet this demand by sourcing skilled and compassionate caregivers who can provide personalized care to seniors in need.

Elderly care jobs are unique because they require specialized knowledge and training. Caregivers must be able to adapt to different environments, provide companionship, administer medication, manage chronic conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and much more. Nursing and healthcare staffing agencies have access to a pool of highly qualified candidates who meet these requirements. They perform rigorous background checks that verify their credentials, experience, references, and personal qualities such as empathy, patience, dependability, and communication skills.

Benefits of Working with Staffing Agencies for Elderly Care

Nursing and healthcare staffing agencies can be valuable resources for both elderly patients and nurses. Staffing agencies provide a range of benefits, including access to a pool of qualified nurses and healthcare professionals and specialized training and support.

Staffing agencies can also help reduce the administrative burden of hiring and managing healthcare professionals. It can include tasks such as payroll, scheduling, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, staffing agencies can provide temporary or permanent staffing solutions, depending on the patient’s and their family’s needs.

How Can Staffing Agencies Help Match Nurses with Elderly Patients’ Needs?

Nursing and healthcare staffing agencies can play a critical role in matching nurses with elderly patients’ needs. Patients and their families can provide detailed information about their needs and preferences when working with a staffing agency. Staffing agencies can use this information to match patients with nurses who have the appropriate skills and experience to meet their needs.

Availability of Different Types of Elderly Care Services through Staffing Agencies

Nursing and healthcare staffing agencies provide a wide range of elderly care services. These can include home care for elderly patients who prefer to age in place, elderly day care for patients who require more social engagement, and respite care for elderly patients who require temporary care while their regular caregiver takes a break.

Additionally, staffing agencies can provide specialized care for patients with specific medical conditions or disabilities.

Elderly patients and their families can also choose from a range of care options, including private elderly care or care provided through an elder care agency. With the support of a nursing and health care staffing agency, elderly patients can receive the care and support they need to maintain a high quality of life.

Conclusion

Nurses play a critical role in improving the quality of life for elderly patients, providing care and support to meet their unique needs. By developing personalized care plans, engaging patients in meaningful activities, promoting independence and self-care, providing emotional support, and ensuring proper medication management, nurses can help elderly patients maintain their quality of life. Additionally, nursing and healthcare staffing agencies offer a range of benefits for elderly patients, including access to qualified healthcare professionals, flexible staffing solutions, and reduced burden on family members.